Engine dies for no apparant reason

[mikesmith140]

I have an '86 4R with the 22RE that will stop running for no apparent reason. When driving it will be as if the ignition is turned off, but all the electrics still operate normally and the dash lights up with all the lights which are normal when the key is "on" but the engine isn't running. It does this after about 8 minutes of driving, sometimes longer, sometimes less. When I try to restart, it turns over, but there doesn't seem to be any ignition/spark. After sitting for 15-45 minutes it starts up as if nothing ever happened.

Since it runs for up to 15 minutes at various speeds and RPM's, I thought it wasn't a fuel delivery issue. Since it starts after waiting for a bit, I don't think it's a blown fuse. This last time I checked the codes on the CEL and it has a 6 and 7 which read as follows:

6 - RPM signal -- No "Ne" signal to ECU while cranking, or "Ne" value over 1000 RPM in spite of no "Ne" signal to ECU -- 1)Igniter circuit 2)Ignigter 3)Distributor 4)ECU

7 - Throttle Position Sensor signal -- Open or short circuit in throttle position sensor signal -- 1)TPS circuit 2)TPS 3)ECU

The Coil is new, the spark plugs & wires are new, the distributor cap is new, the TPS is new (and adjusted correctly), the fuel filter is new. All these were replaced within the last 3-6 months. I'm wondering if the next item is checking the igniter pack, that item that sits on top of the coil. Or, should I be checking the fuel filter anyway?

Any thoughts?

 

[voiddweller]

The last time I bought a coil from the auto parts store, two days later I had to replace it because it was defective. Never trust new parts to rule out things needing fixing. I'd look at the coil, I'm not a pro like alot on here are though.

 

[fourwd1]

That doesn't sound like a bad fuel filter.
But it could still be a fuel delivery problem, maybe the fuel pump, or one of the interlocks for the fuel pump power.
But that wouldn't account for the 2 CEL codes.

 

[penbergm]

I've had this on my '86 4runner and my son's '88 4runner. Both times it was the fuel pump. I guess as these get old they don't always just die, they linger. Just my opinion. My suggestion, if you don't know where your jumper is for the fuel pump, find it. But what I found easier was to pull the air cleaner, turn the ignition to ON, stick you hand in the AFM/MAF to open the flapper. This will turn on the fuel pump and you should be able to hear it. Try it before you get stuck so you know what you are listening for and then when you die, try it again. It you don't hear it ........... fuel pump is not pumping.

 

[mikesmith140]

I tested the coil, it's good. I tested the High-Tension cord from the distributor to the coil, it's good. I tested the fuel pump like "penbergm" suggested, and it tested good.

I tried to test the signal generator from the distributor, but I couldn't get any reading off of it. I don't know if it's my failure in trying to test it or if it's bad ... if I can get the truck started again I'll retest the signal generator to see if it's intermittent. If I still get a null reading when the truck is running then it's my inability to test correctly. If it tests good, then hopefully I've isolated the issue.

One of the CEL codes indicated "no Ne signal" might be the problem. The signal generator from the distributor is the item that sends that signal. Maybe I should just replace that part and see what happens? Any suggestions?

 

[mikesmith140]

It turned out to be a bad "Ne" signal, which is generated by a sender in the distributor. I installed a new distributor and everything works great now : )

 

[85straight]

Hurray a happy ending! I glad you updated your thread with a solution, likely to help a few people in the future

 

[Howitzer]

Glad to hear you found the culprit! I was going to suggest the Circuit Opening relay, as mine gave me a ton of problems working intermittently at times, which caused a lot of headaches; turned out to be an easy fix. But glad you're back on the road